Ralph Denney is full of it. Trying to use our poll results, last week, as an indicator of his support in the community was just plain baseless. In one case we counted 46 votes for Denney from the same IP address. He obviously tried his hardest to influence the poll and try and fool everyone, especially you the community. Ralph Denney is a nobody, with zero community support. His list of accomplishments is ZERO compared to Toni Atkins. Over the past two decades Toni Atkins has served not only our community, but the entire San Diego community with pride and dignity. A partial list of her accomplishments would take up pages in this paper. Here is what some of our most well known elected officials and community leaders have to say about Toni:

State Senator Christine Kehoe had this to say about Atkins, “I think Toni Atkins has an excellent chance in her election. She has a great track record, is a hard worker and a great campaigner. Toni is a diligent candidate and all signs point to nothing but success for her.”

U.S. Congresswoman Susan Davis recently commented, “As someone who has had the pleasure of knowing Toni for many years, I have been able to follow her community involvement and her propensity for solving problems. She works closely with the community and strives to take care of San Diego. We will be fortunate to be sending one of San Diego’s best and brightest, as Toni will take her commitment, compassion and creativity to Sacramento.”

State Assembly Member Marty Block had this to say about Toni, “San Diego voters are smart enough to overwhelmingly support Toni’s candidacy in November. I look forward to working with her in Sacramento.”

Special Advisor for Public Policy and Strategic Planning Dede Alpert had this to say about Toni, " I was so pleased when Toni agreed to run for the state Assembly. Her understanding of local government issues, her commitment to equity for all Californians, and her long record of public service, make her the perfect person to represent us in the Legislature. California is facing incredibly difficult issues and we need a bright, knowledgeable consensus builder in Sacramento if things are to improve. We have just the person in Toni."

Let’s get this straight; Ralph Denney is a blow-hard trying to ride the anti incumbent wave into office. I’ve been in this community for 25 plus years and have attended hundreds of events for women’s health, HIV, gay and lesbian families, the recovery community, Center Galas, Aids Foundation dinners, Auntie Helen’s events, Mama’s Kitchen events, Bienestar events, Imperial Court events, town hall meetings and the list numbers into the hundreds. Not once have I ever seen Ralph Denney. I’ve seen Toni Atkins at every one of these events. Don’t let Ralph fool you.

Toni Atkins’ mark on our community is UNMATCHED. Period!

You may think this strange coming from me and the GLT, but let me set the record straight…Toni Atkins is the finest elected public servant San Diego has had since Lucy Killea. PERIOD!

Yes, Toni and I have disagreed on some issues, but haven’t you disagreed with just about everyone in your life over an issue or two.

Here’s my poll:

Ralph Denney 15%

You can bet on it.

Ralph Denney, try and fool another community. The GLBT community knows its leaders and you aren’t one of them.